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Bausch + Lomb Corporation (BLCO)
NYSE:BLCO

Bausch + Lomb Corporation (BLCO) AI Stock Analysis

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BLCO

Bausch + Lomb Corporation

(NYSE:BLCO)

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Neutral 60 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:60Neutral
Price Target:
$18.50
▲(2.83% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/19/26
The score is most constrained by weak financial performance—multi-year net losses and negative free cash flow—despite solid revenue growth and a supportive balance sheet in the latest period. Offsetting this, the earnings call was strong with clear 2026 guidance for improved margins and EBITDA growth, and the technical setup is constructive with the stock trending above key moving averages. Valuation is held back by negative earnings and no stated dividend support.
Positive Factors
Diversified, recurring revenue model
Bausch + Lomb’s multi‑stream model (contact lenses, OTC consumer, prescription pharma, surgical consumables) creates recurring demand and reduces reliance on any single franchise. Durable replacement cycles and retailer/professional channels support predictable revenue and resilience through cycles.
Breakout pharma franchise (Miebo) and prescription momentum
Rapid prescription growth for Miebo and a raised peak sales target signal a durable high‑margin pharmaceutical franchise forming inside the business. Prescription adoption and payer uptake create stickier, higher‑value revenue that supports sustained margin expansion and long‑term top‑line diversification.
Clear 2026 guidance with margin and EBITDA improvement
Management’s 2026 targets imply meaningful operating leverage: mid‑teens EBITDA growth and a near‑19% margin at scale. Combined with gross‑margin targets (~62%) and Vision 27 cost programs, this guidance indicates structural improvements in profitability rather than one‑off gains, supporting sustainable earnings power.
Negative Factors
Multi‑year net losses and weak reported profitability
Despite revenue growth, the company has produced persistent accounting losses and a negative net margin in 2025. Ongoing reported losses weaken returns on equity and constrain the ability to generate retained earnings, limiting long‑term shareholder capital formation and financial flexibility.
Negative free cash flow and low conversion
Repeated negative free cash flow and a very small adjusted FCF base reduce capacity to self‑fund growth, pay down debt, or return capital. Low and volatile conversion also raises execution risk for sustaining R&D and commercial investment without resorting to external financing in adverse scenarios.
High interest expense and debt servicing burden
Material annual interest costs meaningfully depress net income and free cash flow, making profitability sensitive to financing costs. Even with refinancing that extended maturities, sustained elevated interest expense limits margin recovery and reduces financial flexibility for strategic investments or unforeseen shocks.

Bausch + Lomb Corporation (BLCO) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Bausch + Lomb Corporation Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionBausch + Lomb Corporation operates as an eye health company worldwide. It operates through three segments: Vision Care/Consumer Health Care, Ophthalmic Pharmaceuticals, and Surgical. The Vision Care/Consumer Health Care segment provides contact lens that covers the spectrum of wearing modalities, including daily disposable and frequently replaced contact lenses; and contact lens care products, over-the-counter eye drops, eye vitamins, and mineral supplements that address various conditions comprising eye allergies, conjunctivitis, and dry eye. The Ophthalmic Pharmaceuticals segment offers proprietary and generic pharmaceutical products for post-operative treatments, as well as for the treatment of eye conditions, such as glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and retinal diseases; and contact lenses for therapeutic use. The Surgical segment provides tools and technologies for the treatment of cataracts, and vitreous and retinal eye conditions; and intraocular lenses and delivery systems, phacoemulsification equipment, and other surgical instruments and devices. The company was founded in 1853 and is headquartered in Vaughan, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneyBausch + Lomb generates revenue through several key streams, including the sale of contact lenses and lens care products, surgical products, and pharmaceutical solutions for eye health. The contact lens segment, which includes daily disposable and specialty lenses, represents a significant portion of the company's income. Additionally, the surgical division, which provides equipment and consumables for cataract and refractive surgery, contributes to its earnings. The company also engages in partnerships with healthcare providers and distributors to expand its market reach and enhance its product offerings. Furthermore, Bausch + Lomb invests in research and development to innovate new products, which helps maintain its competitive edge and drive long-term revenue growth.

Bausch + Lomb Corporation Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Segment
Revenue by Segment
Shows how much revenue each business segment generates, highlighting core strengths and areas of growth or decline within the company’s operations.
Chart InsightsBausch + Lomb's Vision Care and Pharmaceuticals segments are driving robust growth, with Pharmaceuticals achieving a notable 7% increase, bolstered by Miebo's impressive 71% year-over-year revenue surge. Vision Care also saw a 6% rise, fueled by strong demand for Daily SiHy lenses and Biotrue products. Despite the enVista recall, the Surgical segment is recovering, evidenced by a 1% revenue uptick. The company remains optimistic, maintaining its full-year revenue guidance and focusing on innovation and operational excellence, though tariff challenges and mixed gross margins present ongoing concerns.
Data provided by:The Fly

Bausch + Lomb Corporation Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 18, 2026
(Q4-2025)
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% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 06, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call conveyed materially positive operational and financial momentum: a record Q4 and full-year, strong top-line growth in key franchises (notably Miebo and contact lenses), significant EBITDA expansion and clear 2026 guidance that targets continued revenue growth and margin improvement. Progress on the pipeline (clinical wins, launches, CE filings) and improved cash-flow discipline further support a constructive outlook. The principal risks noted were the residual effects of the enVista recall, tariff impacts, elevated interest expense and a large external share float; these are meaningful but do not negate the company’s clear execution narrative and raised outlook. On balance, highlights substantially outweigh the lowlights.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Quarter and Year
Q4 revenue of $1.405 billion (up 7% constant currency) and Q4 adjusted EBITDA of $330 million (up 27% YoY) produced the highest revenue and highest adjusted EBITDA in company history; Q4 adjusted EBITDA margin was 23.5% (a 330 bps YoY expansion). Full-year revenue was $5.101 billion (up 5% YoY; up 6% excluding the enVista recall) and full-year adjusted EBITDA was $891 million with a 17.5% margin.
Strong Vision Care Performance
Vision Care Q4 revenue $778 million (up 5%); full-year Vision Care $2.923 billion (up 6%). Contact Lens growth: Q4 +8% and full year +7%; Daily Disposable SiHy (DD SiHy) grew 17% in Q4 and 28% for the full year; Ultra up 16% Q4 and 9% full year. U.S. contact lens growth Q4 +11%, international +6%.
Breakout Pharma: Miebo and Dry Eye Franchise
Pharma Q4 revenue $378 million (up 14%); full-year $1.284 billion (up 6%). Miebo: Q4 revenue $112 million (up 111% YoY and +33% sequentially); full-year Miebo $316 million (up 84%) and prescriptions grew 113% YoY with >2 million prescriptions reached. Company raised Miebo peak sales expectation from $500M previously to exceeding $600M.
Consumer Brand Momentum
Consumer dry eye portfolio Q4 revenue $116 million (up 6%); Blink grew 33% in Q4 and 38% constant currency revenue growth for 2025. LUMIFY Q4 revenue $63 million (up 24%) and full-year $221 million (up 16%). PreserVision AREDS3 began shipping (Feb 2) and Blink Triple Care preservative-free expected to ship March 1.
Surgical Recovering Post-Recall
Surgical Q4 revenue $249 million (up 3% YoY; up 6% excluding the enVista recall). Full-year Surgical $894 million (up 4% YoY; up 10% excluding recall). Premium IOLs grew 20% in Q4 and 26% for the full year; Implantables up 5% in Q4 and showed strong sequential improvement (24% sequential increase). Company returned to pre-recall levels ahead of schedule.
Pipeline Progress and R&D Outcomes
Multiple near-term and mid-term milestones: PreserVision AREDS3 shipping, Blink Triple Care shipping, CE mark submission for next-gen femtosecond laser (seeLYRA) planned, and first external study for new bioactive contact lens material met expectations. Q4 adjusted R&D investment was $94 million; full-year adjusted R&D $371 million (up 8%). On-track for a 2028 contact lens launch.
Ambitious but Clear 2026 Guidance
2026 guidance: revenue $5.375B–$5.475B (constant currency growth 5%–7%); adjusted EBITDA $1.0B–$1.05B (midpoint ~19% margin, ~15% EBITDA growth YoY); adjusted gross margin ~62%; R&D target of 7.5%–8% of revenue; CapEx ~ $285 million and interest expense ~ $365 million.
Improving Cash Flow and Capital Efficiency
Adjusted cash flow from operations was $152 million in Q4 and $381 million for the full year. Adjusted free cash flow was ~$76 million in Q4 and $32 million for the full year. Company lowered CapEx guidance (2026 ~ $285M vs 2025 $349M) and expects adjusted cash conversion to improve (~45% in 2026 trending to >50% by 2028).
Gross Margin and Cost Discipline
Q4 adjusted gross margin was 62.1% despite absorbing ~80 basis points of tariff headwinds; full-year adjusted gross margin was 61%. Company highlighted structural cost, SG&A efficiencies and Vision 27 program driving operating leverage that produced outsized EBITDA expansion versus revenue growth (Q4 EBITDA growth ~3x revenue growth).
Product and Geographic Diversification
Company highlighted broad contributions across Consumer, Vision Care, Pharma and Surgical segments; contact lens business outperformed markets (9% average constant currency revenue growth over 2024–2025 vs mid-single-digit industry growth) and China contact lens growth was resilient (7% Q4, 8% full year).
Negative Updates
enVista Voluntary Recall Impact
The voluntary enVista recall negatively impacted Surgical revenue and full-year results (company excludes recall, showing higher growth rates: full-year revenue +6% excluding recall vs +5% reported). Some monofocal business still needs to be recovered due to contracted purchasing during the recall period; company noted remaining hangover in the monofocal segment.
Tariff and Gross Margin Pressure
Q4 gross margin absorbed approximately 80 basis points of tariff impact, contributing to softer-than-expected gross margin in the quarter; company expects gross margin improvement to ~62% in 2026 but acknowledged tariff headwinds in 2025.
High Interest Expense and Debt-Related Overhang
Net interest expense was $95 million in Q4 and $376 million for the full year (excluding a $33M refinancing charge). Interest expense is expected to be approximately $365 million in 2026, reflecting meaningful debt servicing costs that pressure net income and free cash flow.
Low Reported Free Cash Flow and Conversion
Adjusted free cash flow for the full year was only $32 million and reported free cash flow was cited ~ $66 million in Q&A; while conversion and CapEx are expected to improve, near-term free cash flow remains modest given ongoing investments and debt service.
Seasonality and Prescriber/Payer Dynamics
Company reiterated pronounced seasonality (Q1 weakest, Q4 strongest) which will increase as dry eye prescription business grows. Xiidra faces payer changes that may slow TRx growth even as net pricing improves; company expects slower TRx but higher net revenue for Xiidra in 2026 (volume/price mix risk).
Rising Tax Rate in 2026
2025 adjusted tax rate was 10% (benefitted by one-time items); management expects the 2026 adjusted tax rate to be ~19%, which will increase the effective tax burden versus the prior year and reduce net-profitability improvement.
Float/Share Overhang Outside Company Control
Large share float held by a third party (BHC) was identified as a continued overhang on valuation and multiple expansion; management reiterated timing and execution of share sales are not under company control and no firm timeline was provided.
R&D and Investment Mix Weighing Near-Term Margins
Management plans to increase R&D to ~7.5%–8% of revenue in 2026 (up from ~7%–7.5%), which, along with targeted investments behind launches, may partially offset near-term margin expansion despite structural SG&A efficiencies.
Company Guidance
For 2026 the company guided full‑year revenue of $5.375–$5.475 billion (constant‑currency growth of 5%–7%) with an estimated ~$30 million FX tailwind; adjusted EBITDA of $1.0–$1.05 billion (≈19% margin at the midpoint), which implies roughly 15% adjusted EBITDA growth year‑over‑year and nearly 3x operating leverage versus revenue; adjusted gross margin of ~62%; R&D spend of 7.5%–8% of revenue; interest expense of about $365 million; an adjusted tax rate of ~19%; CapEx of approximately $285 million; and continued seasonality (Q1 lowest, Q4 highest) that is expected to become more pronounced as the dry‑eye franchise grows.

Bausch + Lomb Corporation Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Steady revenue growth through 2025 is offset by materially weaker profitability (multi-year net losses and sharply lower EBITDA margins vs 2020–2021) and negative free cash flow in 2023–2025. Balance sheet leverage appears low in 2025, but returns on equity are negative, keeping overall financial quality constrained.
Income Statement
42
Neutral
Revenue has grown steadily from $3.4B (2020) to $5.08B (2025), including +2.1% in 2025, showing a resilient top-line trajectory. However, profitability has deteriorated: net income moved from a $182M profit (2021) to persistent losses (2022–2025), with the net margin falling to -7.1% in 2025. Operating profitability also weakened versus earlier years (EBITDA margin down to ~2.2% in 2025 from ~19–21% in 2020–2021), indicating margin pressure and limited earnings power despite revenue growth.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
Leverage appears very low in 2025 (debt-to-equity ~0.01) and equity remains sizable at ~$6.45B versus ~$14.0B in assets, which supports balance-sheet stability. That said, the capital structure has been volatile (debt-to-equity rose to ~0.76 in 2024 vs near-zero in 2020–2021), and returns on equity have been negative for multiple years (about -5.6% in 2025), reflecting that shareholder capital is not currently producing profits.
Cash Flow
48
Neutral
Operating cash flow is positive and improving recently ($283M in 2025 vs $232M in 2024), suggesting underlying cash generation despite accounting losses. The key weakness is consistent negative free cash flow in 2023–2025 (including -$66M in 2025) and a sharp decline in free cash flow growth in 2025, implying elevated investment needs and/or working-capital headwinds. Cash flow also showed volatility, including negative operating cash flow in 2023.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue5.10B4.79B4.15B3.77B3.77B
Gross Profit3.00B2.92B2.50B2.25B2.30B
EBITDA572.00M601.00M499.00M598.00M733.00M
Net Income-360.00M-317.00M-260.00M6.00M182.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets14.02B13.47B13.44B11.14B10.82B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments383.00M305.00M334.00M380.00M174.00M
Total Debt5.37B4.94B4.68B2.55B140.00M
Total Liabilities7.50B6.92B6.52B4.04B1.42B
Stockholders Equity6.45B6.47B6.85B7.03B9.33B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-66.00M-59.00M-198.00M170.00M680.00M
Operating Cash Flow283.00M232.00M-17.00M345.00M873.00M
Investing Cash Flow-455.00M-412.00M-2.11B-215.00M-214.00M
Financing Cash Flow225.00M178.00M2.08B81.00M-712.00M

Bausch + Lomb Corporation Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price17.99
Price Trends
50DMA
17.08
Positive
100DMA
16.29
Positive
200DMA
14.86
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.23
Negative
RSI
64.97
Neutral
STOCH
86.57
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For BLCO, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 17.99 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 17.04, above the 50-day MA of 17.08, and above the 200-day MA of 14.86, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.23 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 64.97 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 86.57 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for BLCO.

Bausch + Lomb Corporation Risk Analysis

Bausch + Lomb Corporation disclosed 53 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Bausch + Lomb Corporation reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Bausch + Lomb Corporation Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
77
Outperform
$4.89B42.198.30%11.49%-2.89%
68
Neutral
$16.38B44.594.59%5.06%-4.47%
67
Neutral
$7.58B5,240.080.08%11.74%
63
Neutral
$4.21B28.199.81%0.29%9.19%23.06%
60
Neutral
$6.53B-18.10-4.69%6.23%17.53%
51
Neutral
$7.86B-0.30-43.30%2.27%22.53%-2.21%
51
Neutral
$2.62B-2.97-44.44%5.61%-7.08%-113.81%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
BLCO
Bausch + Lomb Corporation
18.44
2.47
15.47%
COO
Cooper Co
83.56
-6.70
-7.42%
XRAY
DENTSPLY SIRONA
13.14
-4.80
-26.77%
MMSI
Merit Medical Systems
82.43
-19.60
-19.21%
RGEN
Repligen
134.67
-26.80
-16.60%
STVN
Stevanato Group
15.42
-5.39
-25.91%

Bausch + Lomb Corporation Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Bausch + Lomb refinances term loans, extends maturities
Positive
Jan 2, 2026

On January 2, 2026, Bausch + Lomb Corporation closed a refinancing of its existing credit facilities by entering into a fourth amendment to its credit agreement, establishing a new $2.80 billion tranche of term B loans maturing on January 15, 2031. The proceeds were used to refinance all of the company’s outstanding term B loans due 2031 and 2028, effectively extending the maturity of the 2028 loans to 2031 while lowering borrowing costs by reducing the applicable margins by 0.50 percentage points and 0.25 percentage points, respectively; the new loans amortize at 1.00% per year starting June 30, 2026, signaling an effort to optimize Bausch + Lomb’s capital structure and potentially improve its interest expense profile over time.

The most recent analyst rating on (BLCO) stock is a Hold with a $17.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bausch + Lomb Corporation stock, see the BLCO Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Bausch + Lomb Adds New Directors to Board
Positive
Dec 17, 2025

On December 17, 2025, Bausch + Lomb Corporation announced the appointment of Eduardo C. Alfonso, MD, and Steven H. Collis to its board of directors, effective January 1, 2026. These appointments follow board changes announced in August 2025 and bring renowned expertise to the company, with Dr. Alfonso’s leadership in ophthalmology and Mr. Collis’s significant contributions to the pharmaceutical sector. The additions aim to strengthen Bausch + Lomb’s strategic direction and operations as it pursues growth opportunities across the eye health industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (BLCO) stock is a Buy with a $20.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bausch + Lomb Corporation stock, see the BLCO Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 19, 2026